The recent introduction of the latest model of iPods has triggered renewed debate on the relationship between money and happiness. Some belive that with considerable wealth, people can improve the quality of their life and with that comes the material possessions which contribute to happiness. Others, however agree that elements such as family, work and love constitute the fundamental foundation of true happiness. Indeed, happiness is an emotion that can only be experienced by those who are blessed with love, and satisfaction with their life irrespective of their wealth. For most of us, love is something we thrive to give and receive, because it brings us joy and delight. The infamous question is can love be bought from money? If it truly can, then why do developed countries have higher divorce rates than third world countries? The importance of family and loving relationships cannot be undermined in today’s materialistic world. Surely, we all desire to come home to our loved ones who spoil us, treasure us without judging the depth of our wallets. Surely, money can blur one’s vision of love, as greed has a greater influence in today’s society. The true happiness that lies in the comfort of loving relationships cannot be purchased, it can only be created through dedication. Happiness that exist in purposeful work cannot be bought from money. As one volunteer who worked in a developing country to rebuild it through education and peace-building rightfully exclaims, ‘I’m having the greatest experience of my life doing it.’ Indeed, by accomplishing work that are for the greater good of the community, we can experience a feeling of satisfaction and joy that cannot be bought. Money is not the equivalent to working on projects that benefit those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

There are those who strongly argue that individual wealth is beneficiarity for the wider community, because people use their wealth to help others. It is sad to see however, that in our community spending for a week, only 0.25% are donations to charity. Others say, that money can buy power and material possessions. No doubt, money has this ability, but then what? Where does this end? The vast majority of Australians own cars, mobile phones and the latest gadget, but statistics show that we are less happier than those who live in Mexico, who only buys a third of what our wealth permits us to purchase. This clearly indicates that the 16.75% of our income spent on entertainment, alcohol and clothes are not bringing us happiness. We all thrive to be happy, but it is evident that money is not the way to gain happiness. The joy of living should be sought from love and purposeful work. Money creates an illusion of happiness that has no real substance. As the famous Helen Keller says, ‘happiness does not come from focusing on yourself, but through following a worthwhile purpose.’ Indeed, real happiness can only be achieved through creating a loving environment, a factor that cannot be bought.